Folding SO-DIMM socket

ABSTRACT

Sockets that provide easy access for users to change cards while allowing the use of thinner device enclosures. One example provides a socket having two positions. When the socket is in an open state, the card may be oriented in a direction substantially away from the main logic board. When the socket is in a closed state, the card moves such that it is oriented at least closer to being in parallel to the main logic board.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/564,809, filed Nov. 29, 2011, which is incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND

Computers are a collection of many circuits acting together. Thesecircuits may include central processing units, memories, graphicsprocessors, networking circuits, and others. Many of these, such as thecentral processing unit, may be connected to a main or motherboard, alsoknown as a main logic board. Other circuits, such as memories andgraphics processors, may reside on separate boards, also known asdaughter boards or cards, that connect to the main logic board. Thisconnection is often made using a socket, where the socket is fixed tothe main logic board and the memories or graphics processors areinserted into the socket.

These daughter boards or cards are typically inserted into these socketssuch that they are orthogonal to the main logic board. Thisconfiguration makes it relatively easy for a user to pull cards andinsert new ones. For example, this configuration may make it easy forusers to upgrade cards or replace defective cards. This configurationalso reduces the footprint or area on the main logic board consumed bythe card.

This arrangement works well in traditional desktop computers, whichtypically have relatively large and wide enclosures. But some newer,cutting-edge computers may have thinner, sleeker, device enclosures. Forexample, some all-in-one desktops may have thinner device enclosures.

With these thinner computers, there may not be room for theseconventional sockets. Put another way, using sockets where a card isorthogonal to a main logic board may limit how thin a device enclosurecan be made.

Thus, what is needed are new sockets that provide easy access for usersto change cards while allowing the use of thinner device enclosures.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may provide socketsthat provide easy access for users to change cards while allowing theuse of thinner device enclosures. An illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention provides a socket having two positions. When thesocket is in an open state, the card may be oriented in a directionsubstantially away from the main logic board. When the socket is in aclosed state, the card moves such that it is oriented at least closer tobeing in parallel to the main logic board.

In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, when the socketis in an open position, a card may be at a relatively large angle to themain logic board, that is, the card may be approximately orthogonal tothe main logic board, or it may be within a few tens of degrees of beingorthogonal to the main logic board. When the socket is in a closedposition, the card may be at approximately a 45 degree angle to the mainlogic board, or within a few tens of degrees of a 45 degree angle to themain logic board.

When the socket is in the open position, users may insert or remove oneor more cards, for example to upgrade one or more cards, or to replace adefective card. The socket may provide zero, or near-zero insertionforce. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, dimples orcleats on a guide are arranged to fit in cutouts on a side of a card,such as a small-outline dual in-line memory module (SO-DIMM) card.Dimples may provide a slight insertion force that is reduced when thecard is fully inserted, thereby providing a tactile response to theuser, informing the user that the card is properly inserted. Cleats maystay out of the path of cards during insertion and may thus not providesuch a tactile response.

When the desired card or cards are placed in the socket, the socket maybe closed by pushing down on one or more levers. A slight force may beneeded to push down on the lever, where the force places contacts in thesocket under tension such that contact is made between contacts of thesocket and contacts on the one or more cards. One or more otherelements, such as springs or torsion springs, may be included tomaintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positivelyclosed. The levers may have tabs that lock under a frame of the socketsuch that the levers may be held in place, thereby maintaining orlocking the socket in a closed position. To open the socket, the leversmay be pulled away from the frame of the socket. The spring force of thecontacts and one or more other elements may act to force the socket intothe open position once the levers are pulled away from the frame. Inother embodiments of the present invention, the levers may include loopswhich accept tabs located on the frame. When the socket is closed, thelevers and loops may be pushed away from the frame, then released toaccept the tabs. To open the socket, the levers and loops may be pushedaway from the frame thereby disengaging the loops and tabs. Again,spring forces may drive the socket to the open position.

In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, openings at theframe, as well as guides may be used to ensure a proper insertion of thecard. These openings and guides may each have a funnel-like opening nearthe top to simplify the insertion of the card. Again, the guides mayinclude dimples or cleats that are arranged to fit in a cutout on acard. When the socket is closed, the dimples or cleats may hold cardsplace to prevent movement, particularly during shipping or othermovement of the device. These guides may be made narrow to increaseopenings between the one or more cards in order to facilitate airflowfor cooling purposes. In other embodiments of the present invention,instead of dimples, other locking features may be included. Again, inanother illustrative embodiment of the present invention, cleats locatedon guides may be used. These cleats may be out of the path of cards whenthe cards are inserted. The cleats may fit in cutouts on the cards whenthe cards are properly inserted in the socket. If the cards are notproperly seated, the socket may not close properly, which may alert auser that a card may need to be reseated.

Various embodiments of the present invention may include other features.For example, the levers may be modified to provide a more pleasant userexperience. For example, thumb tabs that provide comfort and preventslipping may be included at ends of the levers. Also, cross pieces, orstabilizing bars or portions, may be included to improve the mechanicalstability of the socket, particularly in the rotation direction.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention may employ contactscapable of conveying high-speed signals. These contacts may haveserpentine shapes to provide a large amount of flexibility in a smallarea. These contacts may also have a large area to be encased in aplastic housing for mechanical support. The large areas may includedepressed areas. These depressed areas may act to reduce capacitancebetween neighboring contacts, thereby improving signal quality.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide sockets thatmay hold one or more cards. These cards may be memory cards, such asSO-DIMM cards. They may also be other types of cards, such as graphicscards, networking cards, audio cards, or other types of cards, boards,modules, or devices.

Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or moreof these and the other features described herein. A better understandingof the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained byreference to the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a socket according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socketaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a socket in a closed position according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in aclosed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closedposition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a socket in a closed positionaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for areceptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and asocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle when a card isinserted in a closed position;

FIG. 21 illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a socket according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socketaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a socket in a closed position according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in aclosed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closedposition according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded view of a socket in a closed positionaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for areceptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and asocket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle when a card isinserted in a closed position;

FIG. 43 illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 44 is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 illustrates levers including instructional symbols according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46 illustrates a socket having a torsion spring with an additionalcompression coil according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 illustrates portions of a socket and assembly tools that may beused to help assemble the socket according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 48 illustrates a completed socket with assembly tools according toan embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a socket according to another embodiment of thepresent invention. This figure, as with the other included figures, isshown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possibleembodiments of the present invention or the claims. Also, thedescription below may make reference to reference numbers in differentfigures. To maintain readability, this is not redundantly pointed foreach occurrence.

Socket 100 may be used to provide electrical connections between one ormore cards 200 and a board 300. Cards 200 may be memory cards, graphicscards, networking cards, or other types of cards. In a specificembodiment of the present invention, cards 200 may be SO-DIMM cards. Inthis specific embodiment of the present invention, socket 100 may holdfour cards 200, though in other embodiments of the present invention,socket 100 may hold other numbers of cards.

Socket 100 may be in one of two states: open and closed. In the openstate, as shown, one or more cards 200 may be removed or inserted by auser. Frame 110 may include depressed portion 112 to assist a user ingrasping one or more cards 200 during insertion and extraction. In theopen configuration, cards 200 may be substantially orthogonal to aboard. That is, they may be within several tens of degrees within beingorthogonal to a board. This angle may assist a user in insertion andextraction of cards 200.

In various embodiments of the present invention, socket 100 may providezero, or near zero, insertion force. In a specific embodiment of thepresent invention, a small insertion force may be provided by dimple 144arranged to fit in a cutout on card 200. This low insertion force isremoved when a card is fully inserted and dimple 144 is fit in thecutout on card 200. This force removal may provide a tactile response tothe user to indicate that card 200 is fully inserted in socket 100.

Socket 100 may include one or more levers 120. Levers 120 may be used toclose socket 100. Specifically, levers 120 may be pushed in a downwarddirection such that tabs 122 on levers 120 fit under frame 110 at point114. Springs, such as torsion springs, may be used to help maintain thesocket in position when it is opened. Spring force from contacts mayalso assist in this.

Levers 120 may be attached through frame 110 to guides 140. In aspecific embodiment of the present invention, lever 120 and guide 141may be formed of a single piece, though in other embodiments they may betwo pieces. Guides 140 may be attached between frame 110 and one or morereceptacles 160. Contacts located in receptacles 160 may form electricalconnections between contacts (not shown) on cards 200 and a board. Guide140 may be connected to frame 110 and receptacles 160 by pivot points130 and 132. Covers 150 may provide mechanical support for a connectionbetween receptacles 160 and a board using tabs 152.

FIG. 2 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socketaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, inan open state, levers 120 are up away from frame 110, and cards 200 aresubstantially orthogonal to board 300. Board 300 may be a main logicboard, or other type of a printed circuit board. In this and thefollowing examples, only a portion of main logic board 300 is shown. Inthis specific example, when socket 100 is the open state, cards 200 areapproximately 10 degrees away from being orthogonal to board 300.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this example, cards 200 may beheld by guides 140 and are inserted into receptacles 160 throughopenings 162. Frame 110 may include openings, and guides 140 may includea funnel shaped top 142 for assisting a user and inserting card 200 intoreceptacle 160. Guide 140 may further include dimples 144. These dimplesmay be arranged to fit in a cutout on a board 200. Dimples 144 mayprovide a small insertion force during insertion of card 200 until thecutout on card 200 reaches dimples 144. This may provide a tactileresponse to inform a user that card 200 is fully inserted in socket 100.

It should also be noted that guides 140 may be relatively narrow, suchthat opening 170 may be relatively large. This large opening may aid inairflow and therefore may improve the removal of heat from circuits oncards 200.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates keyingfeature 180, which may be used to prevent an upside down insertion ofcard 200.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this figure, socket 100 is in anopen state. This figure also includes cards 200 and board 300. Again,guides 140 may attach to frame 110 at a first end and receptacles 160 ata second end. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, lever120 and guide 141 may be one piece, though in other embodiments of thepresent invention, they may be formed using two individual pieces.Guides 140 may pivot relative to frame 110 and receptacles 150 at pivotpoints 130 and 132. Receptacles 160 may include covers 150 and contacts164 and 166. Contacts 164 and 166 may form electrical connectionsbetween contacts 204 on cards 200 and contacts 304 on board 300.

Again, socket 100 may be closed by pushing down on levers 120. Thedownward motion of levers 140 may cause guide 141, to which is attached,to rotate clockwise as shown in the figure. This, in turn, may causeframe 110 to move forward and down, which may cause the other guides 140to similarly rotate in a clockwise fashion. Tabs 122 on levers 120 mayfit under frame 110 at points 114. Levers 120 may be biased inward suchthat tabs 122 stay under frame 110 when socket 100 is in the closedposition. Examples of a socket in the closed position are shown in thefollowing figures.

FIG. 6 illustrates a socket in a closed position according to anembodiment of the present invention. Again, tabs 122 on levers 120 fitunder frame 110. Guide 140 may attach between frame 110 and receptacles160 at pivot points 130 and 132. Guides 140 may further include afunnel-shaped top 142 and dimples 144. Receptacle covers 150 may providemechanical support between receptacles 160 and a board via tabs 152.

FIG. 7 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in aclosed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. As canbe seen, when socket 100 is closed, cards 200 move substantially in adirection towards being in parallel with board 300. In this example,cards 200 move to approximately a 45 degree angle to board 300, thoughin other embodiments of the present invention, cards 200 may be withinseveral tens of degrees of a 45 degree angle to board 300.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. Again, guides 140 may include afunnel-shaped top 142 and dimples 144. Spacing 170 may be relativelylarge to improve airflow and heat removal from circuitry on cards 200.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closedposition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a socket 100 in a closedposition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention may beconsidered to have three main portions. A first portion may includeframe 110 and levers 120. The relative position of frame 110 and levers120 dictates whether the socket is an open or closed position. Thesecond portion may be considered to be guides 140, which connect frame110 to receptacles 160. As described above, guides 140 may includefunnel top 142 and dimples 144. The third portion, receptacles 160,include openings for accepting ends of cards 200. They also may includecontacts to form electrical connections between contacts on cards 200and board 300. Receptacles according to embodiments of the presentinvention are shown in the following figures.

FIG. 11 illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this example, receptacle 160 may include keyingfeature 180 and covers 150. Covers 150 may further include tabs that maybe soldered into a board for mechanical support. Receptacle 160 mayfurther include tabs 167 that may be inserted into a board for furthermechanical support.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention. These cut-away views show contacts162 and 164. Contacts 162 and 164 may form electrical connectionsbetween contacts on cards 200 and contacts on a main logic board 300.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention. Receptacle 160 includes housing169, contacts 164 and 166, tab 182, and covers 150. Covers 150 mayinclude openings 154 for pivot points, and tabs 152, which may besoldered into a board for mechanical support.

FIG. 16 illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for areceptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and asocket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contacts 164may include a serpentine portion 410. Serpentine portion 410 may includecontact portion 412 to make an electrical connection with a contact on acard. Contact 164 may further include base portion 420. Base portion 420may be substantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Contact 164may also include board contact 422 to form an electrical connection witha contact on a board. Board contact 422 may have a substantially flatedge for forming a good solder connection to a contact on a board.

Similarly, contact 166 includes a serpentine portion 430. Serpentineportion 430 may include contact portion 432 to form an electricalconnection with a contact on a card. Contact 166 may further includebase portion 420. Base portion 420 may be substantially encased in ahousing of the receptacle. Contact 166 may also include board contact442 to form an electrical connection with a contact on a board. Boardcontact 422 may have a substantially flat edge for forming a good solderconnection to a contact on a board.

Contacts 164 and 166 may further include depressions 450 and 460. Thesedepressions may be on one or both sides of contacts 164 and 166. Thesedepressed areas may be machined, etched, or formed by another method.These depressions effectively increase the spacing between thoseportions of contacts 164 and 166. This, in turn, decreases capacitancebetween neighboring contacts and improves signal performance.

Serpentine portions 410 and 430 may be arranged to provide necessaryflexibility such that a good electrical connection is maintained withcontacts on card 200 (shown in FIG. 1 and others. Again, thisdescription may make reference to reference numbers in differentfigures. To maintain readability, this is not redundantly pointed foreach occurrence.) These serpentine shapes may also allow thisflexibility and connection to be achieved in a small area. This smallersize may further improve signal quality and may allow socket 100 tohandle high-speed signals.

FIG. 20 illustrates cut-away views of receptacle 161 when card 200 isinserted in a closed position. As can be seen, contacts 164 and 166 maybe deformed such that they may provide good electrical connections withcontacts on card 200.

FIG. 21 illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Receptacle covers 150 may include tabs 152 andopenings 154. Tabs may be inserted and soldered in board 300 to providemechanical stability. Openings 154 may accept pivot points 130 and 132.

FIG. 22 is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention may include other features.For example, levers 120 may be modified to provide a more pleasant userexperience. Also, stabilizing bars or portions may be included toimprove the mechanical stability of the socket. An example of such asocket is shown in the following figures.

FIG. 23 illustrates another socket according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. Socket 1100 may be used to provide electricalconnections between one or more cards 1200 and a board 1300. Cards 1200may be the same or different as cards 200. For example, cards 1200 maybe memory cards, graphics cards, networking cards, or other types ofcards. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, cards 1200 maybe SO-DIMM cards. In this specific embodiment of the present invention,socket 1100 may hold four cards 1200, though in other embodiments of thepresent invention, socket 100 may hold other numbers of cards.

Socket 1100 may be in one of two states: open and closed. In the openstate, as shown, one or more cards 1200 may be removed or inserted by auser. In the open configuration, cards 1200 may be substantiallyorthogonal to a board. That is, they may be within several tens ofdegrees within being orthogonal to a board. This angle may assist a userin insertion and extraction of cards 1200.

In various embodiments of the present invention, socket 1100 may providezero, or near zero, insertion force. In a specific embodiment of thepresent invention, a small insertion force may be provided by a dimpleor other feature arranged to fit in a cutout on card 1200. This lowinsertion force is removed when a card is fully inserted and the dimpleis fit in the cutout on card 1200. This force removal may provide atactile response to the user to indicate that card 1200 is fullyinserted in socket 1100.

Socket 1100 may include one or more levers 1120. Levers 1120 may be usedto close socket 1100. Specifically, levers 1120 may be pushed in adownward direction such that loops 1122 on levers 1120 accept tabs 1114on frame 1100.

In various embodiments of the present invention, different colors,signs, or other indications may be used to show users how to operatesocket 1100. For example, thumb tabs 1124 may have a different colorthat may indicate operation. Arrows or other graphics may be included toshow users how to open or close socket 1100. Also, labels or othergraphics may be included either on socket 1110 or on a cover or deviceenclosure.

Again, embodiments of the present invention may provide levers 1120 thatprovide a pleasant user experience. In this example, levers 1120 mayinclude thumb tabs 1124, which users may use in opening and closingsocket 1100. These thumb tabs may be more comfortable for a user tomanipulate and may help a user's fingers to avoid slipping off levers1120 when opening and closing socket 1100.

Levers 1120 may be attached through frame 1110 to guides 1140. In aspecific embodiment of the present invention, lever 1120 and guide 1141may be formed of a single piece, though in other embodiments they may betwo pieces. Guides 1140 may be attached between frame 1110 and one ormore receptacles 1160. Contacts located in receptacles 1160 may formelectrical connections between contacts (not shown) on cards 1200 and aboard. Guide 1140 may be connected to frame 1110 and receptacles 1160 bypivot points 1130 and 1132. Covers 1150 may provide mechanical supportfor a connection between receptacles 1160 and a board using tabs 1152.

Again, cross pieces, or stabilizing bars or portions, may be included tohelp mechanically stabilize socket 1100, particularly when socket 1100is open. In this example, stabilizing bars or portions 1190 may joinguides 1140 from opposite sides of socket 1100 together. Specifically,stabilizing bars or portions 1190 may have portions 1192 laser orspot-welded or otherwise fixed to guides 1140.

FIG. 24 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socketaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, inan open state, levers 1120 are up away from frame 1110, and cards 1200are substantially orthogonal to board 1300. Board 1300 may be a mainlogic board, or other type of a printed circuit board. In this and thefollowing examples, only a portion of main logic board 1300 is shown. Inthis specific example, when socket 1100 is the open state, cards 1200are approximately 10 degrees away from being orthogonal to board 1300.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this example, cards 1200 may beheld by guides 1140 and are inserted into receptacles 1160 throughopenings 1162. Frame 1100 may include guides or lead-in features 1117and guides 1140 may include a funnel shaped top 1142 for assisting auser and inserting card 1200 into receptacle 1100. Guides or lead-in1117 features may be sized narrowly enough to assist a user in insertingcards 1200 into correct receptacles 1160, but wide enough to allowinsertion of cards 1200.

It should also be noted that guides 1140 may be relatively narrow, suchthat opening 1170 may be relatively large. This large opening may aid inairflow and therefore may improve the removal of heat from circuits oncards 1200. Stabilizing bars or portions 1190 may be included on thefront and back of socket 1100 on the outermost guides 1140. In otherembodiments of the present invention, stabilizing bars or portions 1190may be included on these or other guides 1140.

FIG. 26 illustrates a front cut-away view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates keyingfeature 1180, which may be used to prevent an upside down insertion ofcard 1200.

It may be desirable that when a card 1200 is inserted into socket 1100,that card 1200 is not easily removed. It may also be desirable thatsocket 1100 not be able to close when a card 1200 is improperlyinserted. To provide these conditions, embodiments of the presentinvention may user features on guides 1140, such as dimples 144 above,or cleats 1147, as in this example.

When card 1120 is properly inserted in socket 1100, cleats 1147 may fitin cutout portions on cards 1200. The cleats may then hold cards 1200 inplace when socket 1100 is closed. When card 1200 is improperly insertedin socket 1100, cleats 1147 are against a portion of card 1200, not thecutout in the card. This may prevent socket 1100 from closing properly,which may alert a user that one or more cards 1200 needs to be properlyseated in 1100. Cleats 1147 may be out of the path of card 1200 whensocket 1100 is in the open position, in which case it provides little orno resistance to card 1200 during insertion. Again, cleats 1147 may thelock in cutouts on cards 1200 when socket 1100 is locked.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this figure, socket 1100 is inan open state. This figure also includes cards 1200 and board 1300.Again, guides 1140 may attach to frame 1110 at a first end andreceptacles 1160 at a second end. In a specific embodiment of thepresent invention, lever 1120 and guide 1141 may be one piece, though inother embodiments of the present invention, they may be formed using twoindividual pieces. Guides 1140 may pivot relative to frame 1110 andreceptacles 1150 at pivot points 1130 and 1132. Receptacles 1160 mayinclude covers 1150 and contacts 1164 and 1166. Contacts 1164 and 1166may form electrical connections between contacts 1204 on cards 1200 andcontacts 1304 on board 1300.

Again, when a user inserts cards 1200 into socket 1100, it may bedesirable to ensure that card 1200 is inserted into the correctreceptacle 1160. Again, to increase the likelihood of a correctinsertion, insertion guides or lead-in features 1117 may be narrowed tothe point where an incorrect insertion is unlikely.

Again, socket 1100 may be closed by pushing down on levers 1120. Thedownward motion of levers 1140 may cause guide 1141, to which isattached, to rotate clockwise as shown in the figure. This, in turn, maycause frame 1110 to move forward and down, which may cause the otherguides 1140 to similarly rotate in a clockwise fashion. Loops 1122 onlevers 1120 may accept tabs 1114. Levers 1120 may be biased inward suchthat tabs 1114 may stay in loops 1122 when socket 1100 is in the closedposition. Examples of a socket in the closed position are shown in thefollowing figures.

FIG. 28 illustrates a socket in a closed position according to anembodiment of the present invention. Again, loops 1122 on levers 1120accept tabs 1114. Guide 1140 may attach between frame 1110 andreceptacles 1160 at pivot points 1130 and 1132. Guides 1140 may furtherinclude a funnel-shaped top 1142. Receptacle covers 1150 may providemechanical support between receptacles 1160 and a board via tabs 1152.

FIG. 29 illustrates top, oblique, front, and side views of a socket in aclosed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. As canbe seen, when socket 1100 is closed, cards 1200 move substantially in adirection towards being in parallel with board 1300. In this example,cards 1200 move to approximately a 45 degree angle to board 1300, thoughin other embodiments of the present invention, cards 1200 may be withinseveral tens of degrees of a 45 degree angle to board 1300.

FIG. 30 illustrates a cut-away side view of a socket according to anembodiment of the present invention. Again, frame 1110 may includeguides or lead-ins 1117 and guides 1140 may include a funnel-shaped top1142. Spacing 1170 may be relatively large to improve airflow and heatremoval from circuitry on cards 1200.

FIG. 31 illustrates a cut-away front view of a socket in a closedposition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded view of a socket 1100 in a closedposition according to an embodiment of the present invention. Again, oneor more elements, such as springs or torsion springs, may be included tomaintain the switch in an open position unless the switch is positivelyclosed. In this example, torsion spring 1134 may be used to maintain theswitch in an open position unless the switch is positively closed. Thepresence of this spring may also help to avoid vibrations in socket 1100in both the open and closed states.

Sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention may beconsidered to have three main portions. A first portion may includeframe 1110 and levers 1120. The relative position of frame 1110 andlevers 1120 dictates whether the socket is an open or closed position.The second portion may be considered to be guides 1140, which connectframe 1110 to receptacles 1160. As described above, guides 1140 mayinclude funnel top 1142. The third portion, receptacles 1160, includeopenings for accepting ends of cards 1200. They also may includecontacts to form electrical connections between contacts on cards 1200and board 1300. Receptacles according to embodiments of the presentinvention are shown in the following figures.

FIG. 33 illustrates a receptacle according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this example, receptacle 1160 may include keyingfeature 1180 and covers 1150. Covers 1150 may further include tabs thatmay be soldered into a board for mechanical support. Receptacle 1160 mayfurther include tabs 1167 that may be inserted into a board for furthermechanical support.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are mechanical diagrams of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 illustrates cut-away views of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention. These cut-away views show contacts1164 and 1166. Contacts 1164 and 1166 may form electrical connectionsbetween contacts on cards 1200 and contacts on a main logic board 1300.

FIG. 37 illustrates an exploded view of a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention. Receptacle 1160 includes housings1168 and 1169, two versions each of contacts 1164 and 1166, tab 1182,and covers 1150. Covers 1150 may include openings 1154 for pivot points,and tabs 1152, which may be soldered into a board for mechanicalsupport.

FIG. 38 illustrates a housing for a receptacle according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate mechanical diagrams of a housing for areceptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 illustrates contacts that may be used in a receptacle and asocket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Two versionsof each of contacts 1164 and 1166 are shown, though in other embodimentsof the present invention, other types of contacts may be included.Contacts 1164 may include a serpentine portion 1410. Serpentine portion1410 may include contact portion 1412 to make an electrical connectionwith a contact on a card, such as card 200. Contact 1164 may furtherinclude base portion 1420. Much of base portion 1420 may besubstantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Base portion mayinclude edge 1424. Edge 1424 may be a location where a carrier that maybe used to handle contact 1164 during plating and installation isattached. When contact 1164 is placed in a receptacle, the carrier maybe broken away or otherwise detached. Contact 1164 may also includeboard contact 1422 to form an electrical connection with a contact on aboard, such as board 300 or 1300. Board contact 1422 may form a pointcontact to a contact on the board. During reflow (when the contact maybe soldered to a board), solder may wick in an upward direction aroundcontact 1422 to form a connection and strong solder joint or column.

Similarly, contact 1166 may include a serpentine portion 1430.Serpentine portion 1430 may include contact portion 1432 to form anelectrical connection with a contact on a card. Contact 1166 may furtherinclude base portion 1440. Much of base portion 1440 may besubstantially encased in a housing of the receptacle. Base portion mayinclude edge 1444. Edge 1444 may be a location where a carrier that maybe used to handle contact 1166 during plating and installation isattached. When contact 1166 is placed in a receptacle, the carrier maybe broken away or otherwise detached. Contact 1166 may also includeboard contact 1442 to form an electrical connection with a contact on aboard. Board contact 1442 may form a point contact to a contact on theboard. During reflow, solder may wick in an upward direction aroundcontact 1442 to form a connection and strong solder joint or column.

Serpentine portions 1410 and 1430 may be arranged to provide necessaryflexibility such that a good electrical connection is maintained withcontacts on card 1200. These serpentine shapes may also allow thisflexibility and connection to be achieved in a small area. This smallersize may further improve signal quality and may allow socket 1100 tohandle high-speed signals.

FIG. 42 illustrates cut-away views of receptacle 1161 when card 1200 isinserted in a closed position. As can be seen, contacts 1164 and 1166may be deformed such that they may provide good electrical connectionswith contacts on card 1200.

FIG. 43 illustrates receptacle covers according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Receptacle covers 1150 may include tabs 1152 andopenings 1154. Tabs may be inserted and soldered in board 1300 toprovide mechanical stability. Openings 1154 may accept pivot points 1130and 1132.

FIG. 44 is a mechanical diagram of a receptacle cover according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Again, in various embodiments of the present invention, differentcolors, signs, or other indications may be used to show users how tooperate socket 1100. For example, thumb tabs 1124 may have a differentcolor that may indicate operation. Arrows or other graphics may beincluded to show users how to open or close socket 1100. Also, labels orother graphics may be included either on socket 1110 or on a cover ordevice enclosure. One example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 45 illustrates levers including instructional symbols according toan embodiment of the present invention. As shown, levers 1120 mayinclude thumb tabs 1124. Thumb tabs 1124 may include instructionalgraphics or symbols 4510. In this example, instructional graphics orsymbols 4510 may be outwardly pointed arrows that may be attached to,molded into, formed as part of, painted on, or otherwise placed on orformed on thumb tabs 1124. While these instructional graphics or symbols4510 or shown as being on levers 1120, levers 120 or other levers usedin embodiments of the present invention may also include instructionalgraphics or symbols 4510 or other instructional graphics or symbols.

Again, one or more elements, such as springs or torsion springs, may beincluded to maintain the switch in an open position unless the switch ispositively closed. The presence of this spring may also help to avoidvibrations in socket 1100 in both the open and closed states. In someembodiments of the present invention, additional spring force may needto be provided. An example is shown in the following figure.

FIG. 46 illustrates a socket having a torsion spring with an additionalcompression coil according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inthis example, torsion spring 1134 may be supplemented by additionalcompression coil 1136. Again, torsion spring 1134 and additionalcompression coil may maintain the switch in an open position unless theswitch is positively closed. Their presence may also help to avoidvibrations in socket 1100 in both the open and closed states.

As can be seen in the above figures, sockets according to embodiments ofthe present invention may include several parts that need to beassembled together. To assist in this assembly, embodiments of thepresent invention may utilize assembly tools such as guides, alignmentcombs, or other tools. Examples are shown in the following figure.

FIG. 47 illustrates portions of a socket and assembly tools that may beused to help assemble the socket according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this example, alignment combs 4710 may be used toposition portions of socket 1100, such as guides 1140 and lever 1120,during assembly. Alignment combs 4710 may include a number of teeth 4712to help align these structures. Alignment combs 4710 may include holders4714 for holding pivot points 1132 in place as they are attached. Guide4720 may include openings 4722 to accept a tool, such as an Allenwrench, that may be used to secure pivot points 1132 to receptacles (notshown.)

FIG. 48 illustrates a completed socket with assembly tools according toan embodiment of the present invention. Alignment combs 4710 and guides4720 may be removed at this point.

The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presentedfor the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described,and many modifications and variations are possible in light of theteaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will beappreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modificationsand equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A socket for providing electrical connectionsbetween a plurality of cards and a board, the socket comprising: aplurality of receptacles, wherein when the socket is in an open state,one or more of a plurality of cards may be inserted into or removed fromthe plurality of receptacles in the socket, and when a card is insertedin the socket, it is substantially orthogonal to the board and whereinwhen the socket is moved to a closed state, the card moves towards aposition where the card is parallel to the board, and one or more leversand a frame, wherein the socket may be closed by applying force to theone or more levers and the socket may be locked in the closed state byplacing a tab on each of the one or more levers under the frame of thesocket, and wherein the socket may be opened by pushing each of the oneor more levers away from the frame of the socket such that the tab oneach of the one or more levers is not under the frame of the socket. 2.The socket of claim 1 wherein when the socket is in the open state, anyof the plurality of cards may be removed from or inserted into any ofthe plurality of receptacles in the socket.
 3. The socket of claim 2wherein the board is a main logic board of a computer.
 4. The socket ofclaim 1 wherein when the socket is closed, the card is at approximatelya 45 degree angle to the board.
 5. The socket of claim 1 wherein thesocket may be closed by applying force to one or more levers.
 6. Thesocket of claim 5 wherein the socket may be locked in a closed state byplacing a tab on each of the one or more levers under a frame of thesocket.
 7. The socket of claim 6 wherein the socket may be opened bypushing each of the one or more levers away from the frame of the socketsuch that the tab on each of the one or more levers is not under theframe of the socket.
 8. The socket of claim 1 wherein each of thereceptacles are configured to accept a small-outline dual in-line memorymodule card.
 9. The socket of claim 1 wherein each receptacle furthercomprises a plurality of contacts, each contact comprising: a serpentineportion to flex as the socket is opened and closed, the serpentineportion having a contact portion to make an electrical connection to acontact on a card; and a base portion to be substantially encased in ahousing of the receptacle, wherein a portion of the base portion isremoved to form a depression.
 10. The socket of claim 9 wherein theserpentine portion is not substantially encased in the housing of thereceptacle.
 11. The socket of claim 9 wherein each of the contactsfurther comprises a contacting portion to form an electrical connectionto a board.
 12. The socket of claim 9 wherein the board is a main logicboard of a computer.
 13. The socket of claim 9 wherein each of thereceptacles are configured to accept a small-outline dual in-line memorymodule card.
 14. A socket that may be opened and closed, the socketcomprising: a plurality of receptacles, each to accept a card; aplurality of guides to assist in the insertion of cards into theplurality of receptacles, each guide comprising: a funnel-like top toease the insertion of a card into the guide; a dimple to fit into acutout on a card and to provide a tactile response to a user whileinserting the card when the socket is open; and a locking mechanism tohold the dimple in place when the socket is closed.
 15. The socket ofclaim 14 wherein when a card is inserted into one of the plurality ofreceptacles, guides extend along a substantial portion of a side of thecard.
 16. The socket of claim 14 wherein each of the plurality of guidesattach to a frame at a first end and one of the plurality of receptaclesat a second end.
 17. The socket of claim 16 wherein the plurality ofguides are attached such that they may pivot relative to the frame andthe plurality of receptacles.
 18. The socket of claim 17 wherein thesocket forms electrical connections between the cards and a board. 19.The socket of claim 18 wherein the board is a main logic board of acomputer.
 20. The socket of claim 14 wherein each of the receptacles areconfigured to accept a small-outline dual in-line memory module card.21. A socket comprising: a first portion comprising a lever and a frame,wherein when the socket is opened, the lever is away from the frame, andwhen the socket is closed, the lever is in contact with the frame; asecond portion comprising a plurality of guides, each guide having afunnel-shaped top and a dimple; and a third portion comprising aplurality of receptacles, wherein the guides are attached to the frameand a receptacle at pivot points.
 22. The socket of claim 21 whereinwhen the socket is open, a user may insert and extract cards into andfrom any of the plurality of receptacles.
 23. The socket of claim 21wherein the lever is formed with one of the guides.
 24. The socket ofclaim 23, further comprising a second lever, wherein the levers arealong an outside edge of the socket, and the levers are biased towardsthe inside of the socket.
 25. A socket that may be opened and closed,the socket comprising: a plurality of receptacles, each to accept acard; a plurality of guides to assist in the insertion of cards into theplurality of receptacles, each guide comprising: a funnel-like top toease the insertion of a card into the guide; and a locking mechanism tohold the dimple in place when the socket is closed; and a plurality ofstabilizing bars, each located between two of the plurality of guides.26. The socket of claim 25 wherein when a card is inserted into one ofthe plurality of receptacles, guides extend along a substantial portionof a side of the card.
 27. The socket of claim 25 wherein the pluralityof guides attach to a frame at a first end and one of the plurality ofreceptacles at a second end.
 28. The socket of claim 27 wherein theplurality of guides are attached such that they may pivot relative tothe frame and the plurality of receptacles.
 29. The socket of claim 28wherein the socket forms electrical connections between the cards and aboard.
 30. The socket of claim 29 wherein the board is a main logicboard of a computer.
 31. The socket of claim 25 wherein each of theplurality of receptacles are configured to accept a small-outline dualin-line memory module card.
 32. A socket comprising: a first portioncomprising a lever and a frame, wherein when the socket is opened, thelever is away from the frame, and when the socket is closed, the leveris in contact with the frame, wherein the lever includes a thumb tab,the thumb tab located near an end of the lever; a second portioncomprising a plurality of guides and stabilizing bars, each guide havinga funnel-shaped and the stabilizing bars connected between two of thepluralities of guides; and a third portion comprising a plurality ofreceptacles, wherein the guides are attached to the frame and areceptacle at pivot points.
 33. The socket of claim 32 wherein when thesocket is open, a user may insert and extract cards into and from any ofthe plurality of receptacles.
 34. The socket of claim 32 wherein thelever is formed with one of the guides.
 35. The socket of claim 34,further comprising a second lever, wherein the levers are along anoutside edge of the socket, and the levers are biased towards the insideof the socket.